adjective C2 Proficient Uncommon

avian

AY-vee-uhn

Avian (adjective) means relating to or characteristic of birds. Example: “The lab is studying an avian flu outbreak among wild ducks.”

adjective

Relating to or characteristic of birds.

"The lab is studying an avian flu outbreak among wild ducks."

"Researchers noted several avian species nesting near the lake."

How to use avian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with birds — a more scientific-sounding word than "bird-related."

Common pairings

avian flu avian species

Word forms

avians plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The lab is studying an _____ flu outbreak among wild ducks.

Etymology

From Latin avis, "bird," plus the adjective ending -ian.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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bird-like ornithological

Related words

ornithological

Rhymes for avian

Asian Brian Fabian Indian Syrian simian median Italian Russian Persian Serbian Latvian

See all rhymes for avian →

Frequently asked questions

What does “avian” mean?

The word “avian” means relating to or characteristic of birds. In plain terms, to do with birds — a more scientific-sounding word than "bird-related.".

How do you pronounce “avian”?

“Avian” is pronounced AY-vee-uhn (/ˈeɪvi.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “avian” in a sentence?

Here is “avian” used in a sentence: “The lab is studying an avian flu outbreak among wild ducks.”

What part of speech is “avian”?

“Avian” is an adjective.

Where does the word “avian” come from?

The word “avian” comes from Latin. From Latin avis, "bird," plus the adjective ending -ian.

Is “avian” a common word?

“Avian” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

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